Reliability and Validity of Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire in Arabic Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Background: The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) is the most specific and widely used questionnaire for assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in chronic heart failure (CHF). This study aimed to examine reliability and validity of the KCCQ in Arabic patients with CHF. Material and Methods: Patients with CHF filled out the Arabic versions of the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure (MLHF) and KCCQ questionnaire, and performed a six-minute walk test (6MWT) on their first visit. On the return, the patients filled out the KCCQ along with the global rating of change (GRC) scale. Internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and construct validity were examined. Results: A total of 101 Arabic patients with CHF, with a mean (SD) age of 55 (11) years old, completed the study. The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.97, and the ICC2,1 = 0.95 (95%CI: 0.92 to 0.97, p p = 0.01) and with the 6MWT (r = 0.70, p Conclusions: The Arabic version of KCCQ is a reliable and valid measure of HRQoL, which could be utilized in routine clinical practice for Arabic-speaking patients with CHF

Prevalence and management of hyperkalemia in chronic kidney disease and heart failure patients in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

Abstract Hyperkalemia is a frequent complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or heart failure (HF) and associated with neuromuscular manifestations, changes in the electrocardiogram, and increased risk of mortality. While data on the prevalence and management of hyperkalemia in the gulf region are scarce, risk factors such as preference for potassium‐rich foods (e.g., dates and dried fruits/vegetables), periods of intense fasting (e.g., Ramadan), and diabetes (an ancestor of CKD and HF) are common. Therefore, a panel of nephrologists and cardiologists from countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) convened to collate and review available data on the prevalence, regional drivers, and current practice in the management of hyperkalemia in the region. Eventually, this review provides consensus recommendations on a balanced utilization of dietary and pharmacological options including new potassium binders for achieving and sustainably maintaining desirable serum potassium levels in countries of the GCC region. Alignment with regional habits and practice was a key aspect to facilitate the uptake of the recommendations into physicians’ practice and patients’ lives